Ophthalmic wound closure devices and methods

Abstract

A method and device for wound closure is provided. One advantage of wound closure devices and methods shown includes a simple and inexpensive modified suture with increased pullout resistance to close wounds in eyes and prevent leakage. Another advantage includes a visualization tool to aid in locating the wound on the eye.

1 . A suture, comprising:
 a number of unidirectional, pressed in, side features to increase a pullout resistance of the suture along a first direction; and   a distal end protrusion to resist suture pullout from a second direction opposite the first direction.   
     
     
         2 . A suture, comprising:
 a portion of a suture, having a flattened cross section; and   a number of textured side features to increase a pullout resistance of the suture.   
     
     
         3 . The suture of  claim 2 , wherein the number of textured side features includes a pressed in cross-hatch pattern. 
     
     
         4 . The suture of  claim 2 , wherein the number of textured side features includes a number of unidirectional features. 
     
     
         5 . The suture of  claim 2 , wherein the number of textured side features includes a number of spaced apart knots. 
     
     
         6 . An ophthalmic wound visualization device, comprising:
 a substantially transparent portion to place in contact with an eye near an ophthalmic wound;   a handle to apply pressure to the substantially transparent portion; and   a suture clearance cutaway to facilitate insertion of a suture while the substantially transparent portion is in contact with the eye.   
     
     
         7 . The ophthalmic wound visualization device of  claim 6 , further including one or more frictional protrusions on one side of the substantially transparent portion. 
     
     
         8 . The ophthalmic wound visualization device of  claim 7 , wherein the frictional protrusions include a number of teeth.